Hampshire Riding

UTW, what were you riding/wearing? (Was in a bright red jacket, black helmet, black tights on a rather lovely Spesh Diverge*)

*Though I say so myself! 😀

UTW, Thanks for that, looks like a good place to start

Red helmet, blue gilet, (colour co-ordination huh?), black 3/4s.
And riding my All City Nature Boy which is kinda bright!

Don't think I saw you.

Whereabouts are you based? Could fit in a similar ride some day if that works for you! Am based at the top of the Test.

Winchester local me, so based half way down the Itchen 🙂
Often ride up that way, be good to meet up.

[b]dobo[/b]
No worries. Thinking about it, there's a track that runs west from the Lockerly/East Tytherley road (opposite the pub!) to Frenchmoor that may be worth looking at. It won't shorten the trip but it's more off road!

Location via rivers. Classy!

Of course, we have the best trout. 😀 (Also very good for brewing! I collect it in barrels for homebrew!)

Is your bike a gravel type thang? If so, fancy joining the soon to be formed Hampshire Grrravel Collective Thingy?

Still buzzing from a superb day's ride on my Stoater, one of those rides where you want to keep on going forever and feel like you could, or at least until tea time. Crossed the border into West Sussex, up and down off the Downs back to Butser Hill then along the Meon Valley and home via some hills and a pub. It's the perfect machine for hacking along the lanes though with the mulched-up leaves I'd have preferred my CX tyres instead of my slicks.

CFH you must habe been unlucky to get rained on I was in Kings Sombourne and it was a lovely late morning and afternoon, I was sad not to be riding. A303/M3 junction shut by police so we ended up on an excellent "say nav" special detour around the lanes to Dummer.

I've just ordered some Clement X'Plor MSO 40C's for my CX'er. Intention is to use them for gravel/road/fire trail/farmers lanes as the deeper winter sets in. Haven't got them yet, hoping this week.

Anyone thought about these tyres for their bikes ?

I'll let you know how I get on with them, they look good and get some great reviews.. 😀

Have been looking at Clement, so will be interesting to hear about your experience of them.

The stock Roubaix tyres seem very good so far. Am keen to explore tubeless options, however.

Re the rain, it was one big cloud, the sort where you can see the straight edge of rain approaching. Only lasted about five minutes, though.

Cap'n - thanks for reporting back. Sometimes the edges of that track can be used but, as you say, it's jarring. Glad you enjoyed your ride!

As regards those tyres, Somafunk is your man.

This might be of use to a lot of people
http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/maps/surrey-interactive-map
It's only Surrey based but it's an interactive map that can be printed, and you can specify bridleways, tracks, cycle routes etc to be highlighted on it. Very useful IMO.

as you say, it's jarring.

Says you with your big fat tyres and suspension!

Good fun, though, and a nice little link to add in to any pending grravel routes anyone has. Nicely false flat downhill, so you can keep the speed up to try and stay on top of the bumps. It's a little like driving a fast boat, you try and keep on top of the waves, rather than sinking in to the troughs.

Surrey based

We'll have none of that foreign muck in here, thank you very much! 😉 (Pretty cool, though!)

Hants, well all Councils, have one....

[url= http://maps.hants.gov.uk/rowreporting/default.aspx ]Hampshire ROW's[/url]

I use this a lot, helluva lot also the North Yorks one that include Harrogate.

Just go to the Councils website and search ROW and you'll find they all have the "definitive" Map..

HTH

Cheers BB very handy. 🙂

That hampshire ROW website isnt very user friendly, also not that accurate as shows the entire test way as a footpath when large sections you are allowed to cycle on.
Also when you come to a county border it gets fun.

A quick PSA for anyone riding around North Hants over the next couple of days -

The hedge murderers have been out and about on Waltham Lane over the last couple of days, and it's a thorn strewn hell out there. Many punctures await, I suspect.

Very OT but if anyone knows of a 2/3 bedroom house/bungalow with garage available for rent to a house-trained lady, e-mail in profile. Needs to be in Hampshire and available within the next few weeks. Thanks. 🙂

Email sent CG

Thanks hammy. 🙂

Just to add that it's short term.

Think there may be a couple of places on the market around the 'Hood, CG. Will double check for you.

Anyway, cracker of a ride today. Much the same loop as before, but with a bit more "ooooh, let's have a nose up there" bridleway action.

Thankfully, not one puncture!

"Timcotic - keep an eye on the newforce forum as there's a regular midweek daytime ride developing (cunningly called the unemployed ride) which might be of interest to you."

"Tim cotic I was tempted by the new force group what are the rides like? I'm based in winchester so would mainly be heading out from home, is it worth joining? Cheers "

Sorry it's taken a while to get back to you guys. Yes I have been of a few of the 'Unemployed Rides' and they've been very good. They are approximately 20 miles (I think today's was less but it was rather muddy and hilly). If you are a regular rider you'd be fine but not reccommended for mtb 'newbies'. The Dorset Roughriders' Saturday Socials form Broadstone Leisure Centre at 1.00 p.m. are good for everyone. (by which I mean - everyone gets do to some riding they enjoy - Last Saturday's was lead by a splendid chap call Robin and was a case in point). Tim 🙂

Another Sunday, and a wet, wet, wet ride! Dummer, Farleigh Wallop, the Candovers etc.

Off the bridleway at Farleigh Wallop and up the hill, I heard tchk, tchk, tchk, followed with tchk-pfff, tchk-pfff, tchk-pfff. Flint puncture! ARGH!

Fixed and off I went, need to check the tyre out when I clean the bike tomorrow, though.

As an aside - If anyone wants some super-toasty winter gloves, these are surprisingly excellent;

[img] [/img]

Mine are black, obviously!

Heading out of Hampshire this Saturday to give the new Sherpa it's first proper outing. Going into the North Downs somewhere near Washington apparently. Some runner friends are sorting the route and they run while I ride.

Ok it's not the North downs it's still the SDW. Going to see if I can find my way to Steyning Forest/woods

QE was the venue this Saturday, had a last minute call from a running friend who wanted a run then a coffee so off I went. First time with the Sherpa off some small drops, have to say I prefer the Rocket on those sections, everything else was lovely until I lost the back brake. Bit hairy at times on the 2nd half of the red route with mud and no back brake. Fun though.

I've forgotten what riding in the daylight looks like... Even rides on the weekends start in the dark now... Was out on Saturday evening for our xmas beer and bimble, it was so cold the mud on everyone's rear direlliure froze so no shifting for a while! Good ride tho.

Almost forgotten what riding is! Silly busy.

Well I've been hacking Hampshire hard for weeks now. Have to say it's been bloody excellent as always. When you work away it's just the best tonic to come home and play in your own back yard.
I've found some more (for me) routes for the CX'er up near the Wallops and can link them up with the SDW creating a 60k route that I can ride from home from, which is ace.
It's filthy dirty on the lanes, recent routes on the roadie have meant washing kit every ride, some lanes are just mud fest as farmers bring in winter veg and others moving cattle indoors. There's a particularly bad lane from Fairleigh Wallop Manor down to Lasham that's just awful, but then that's part of the fun.
I've stuck the X'plors back on the CX'er for a couple of long distance gravel hacks planned with a couple of Lads from B'mth Jubilee that I used to rideout with a few years ago, be good I'm looking forward to some Dorset action..

If anyone's out over the next few weeks and fancies meeting up (road or CX'er) then I'd love to meet up.
8)

If my Tripster ever turns up, I'd love too. Not that I an get in the garage to build it either, full of the detritus of a new kitchen build (now thankfully in the last stages).

Though I have sort of promised myself doing the Combe > Overton run this year, so I really ought to start running again...

Well I've knicked the Sarcen Stonehenge route off Garmin Connect that some might already know and planning to do it this Friday. Looks like a couple of hrs at 12mph ave (someone elses recording) and 28 miles or so, starting at Winterbourne Stoke. Takes in the Henge and up over the Plain near the Army base.. I've never ridden this area before and shall be doing it on the CX'er with my X'Plors on as I guess most of it is Gravel, maybe not (anyone done it and know what it could/would be like?)
Friday could be very sunny and 11C so looking good, anyone fancy playing out ?

Salisbury plain is open over christmas- new year. I'm planning on a little explore. anyone got any ideas how the access works?

obviously all the RoWs are fair game (unless flagged etc) but what about the other roads eg. imber. I know imber is open but what about other sections of road. last time i was up there i seem to remember some were signed 'closed' some not.

Bikebouy
That route include the track up from the Bustard Inn to Redhorn Hill?
Was up there Sunday at the Redhorn end and the track was shut for maintenance.

The majority of the tracks on the Plain are gravel and broken tarmac so your bike and tyres are spot on. Just be wary of any defrosted chalk mulch!

thomthumb - you basically have 3 (possibly 4) access points for Imber namely Bratton, Gore Cross and Heytesbury. Imber Church is well worth a visit where you can buy hot refreshments, there's no heating in there though!

http://www.imberchurch.org.uk/

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/neilskelton/imber/sptanews45.pdf

Post up any more q's!

Inside the church is a very interesting display telling the history of the village together with copies of various documents from the War Office etc.

Sometimes the author of 'Little Imber on the Down', Rex Sawyer, is there to sign copies of his book. Definitely worth reading.

Salisbury Plain Honey may possibly be available to buy and it's delicious. The hives are behind the church.

There's no electricity, a generator is used for hot drinks, and there's no loos!

Edit: only those roads leading to Imber will be open on that particular part of the Plain. Nothing to stop you from, say, starting at Redhorn Hill and crossing the A360 then go past the vedette.

bikebuoy - have a great ride! Just for info at Berwick St James there is a farm shop/cafe that used to sell home-made bread pudding for 50p and pots of tea that you could get 3 cups from. Highly recommended.

It's beside a right of way with a standing stone, on the right-hand side just down from WS.

CG many thanks!

cheers CG. berwick st john tip is good too. 😀

Thanks all for the tips and places to look out for, I guess if I find a route thats closed I can just ride around it yeah? Can see loads of tracks in/on around the Plain so if I have to divert it shouldn't be too much of a problem..

Looking good 😀

Happy 1000th post, everyone!

I grew up riding the Plain, and adore it still. Just be sure to obey range wardens and warnings. They really mean it!

thomthumb/bikebuoy - I personally like to approach Stonehenge from The Cursus which you can reach from Larkhill. Stay on the byway to cross the A303 and this leads to Normanton Down which has a large number of tumuli. It's amazing how quickly you escape from the traffic.

You can follow this til the A360, cross over, past Druid's Lodge, straight over the crossroads then descend the valley speedily to Berwick St James.

bikebuoy - you need to check the access on the Plain first. There is an NCN track that crosses the Plain between the Bustard Inn (on the Southern part) in a Northerly direction to Redhorn Hill. Despite it being a byway, if the Army are using it then it will be closed.

Edit: UndertheWood has reported the NCN track as being closed for maintenance.

Yup full reccie going on today, armed with your info and Google I'll find a few detours that'll take me away from the closed sections but still allow me to cross the Plain. There are loads of routes it seems and even if I meander wildly I'll still see what the Plain has to offer, don't forget I've never been there before so it'll all be new and a bonus.

Winter Soltice soon, could do it again with the Hippies in tow 😆

bb - the area between the A345 and the A338 is always open apart from close to Bulford where they shoot. Have a fun time and do report back please. 😀

Quick q - any pubs in the Test Valley area open on Boxing Day for bar food? Not sure if the John O'Gaunt is, probably will be heading through the Wallops so Broughton, Stockbridge? Only looking for a snack really as will be cooking in the evening.

Thanks and a Happy Christmas to all you Hampshire riders. 😀

[b]Roadie gpx's for Hampshire[/b]: looking for some between 70 - 100 miles. Already have this year's Hampshire Hilly Hundred gpx's for both distances, does anyone have any experience of these routes?

Thanks. 🙂

CG, apologies, didn't see your pub post earlier! Hope you found somewhere.

Happy Christmas, all, and happy trails!

Cap'n - we cycled for 2 miles then the 'youngsters' whinged that they were too cold and wanted to go back to the car. I told the boy to toughen up. 😉

Merry Xmas to you too. 🙂

😀

I've got quite a few GPX's but none of the Hants Hilly100.. but then most of this stuff's on Garmins connect so I'll take a look over there for you.

Where exactly would you like to start from?? or go too?? P2P or Circular??

And when do you need the file for?

😀

bb - thanks. Starting from Twyford/Otterbourne/Winchester/Romsey vicinity and ideally circular. My knowledge of roadie-friendly roads is limited, actually looking at the HHH routes not sure I'd want to ride a plastic racer along some of them! Obviously can alter to suit.

It will be for Spring-time unless there's decent weather in February. I'll try and compile a cafe list for him, save me acting as support.

I have a great route from Arlesford, you can start there by parking in the Watercress Line carpark. It then goes up over the Candovers, Fairleigh Wallop then through the Park over to Herriard, Lasham (airfield) Sheldon, Bentworth, Medstead, Bighton, then back into Arlesford.
Thats a great 70k's and some lovely smooth (almost) traffic free route, the only busy part is getting out of Arlesford through Old Arlesford 😆 Then it's into the Lanes and some lovely rolling hills and great vantage points. Some lovely Churches on the way too so that's always a reason to stop off and admire the Architecture.

At the moment theres only one part of that route that'll be muddy on the Lane and it's just after Fairleigh Wallop over the top of the park where the park farm is, can't help that but it is on top of a hill and dries out easily.

I use this route as a clean training route, you can ride it this time of year and come home very nearly as clean as you set off 😆

Just ask if you want that one..

😀

Edit:

Another one, starts Awbridge, Dunbridge, Nether Wallop, Stockbridge, Kings SOmborne, Braishfield, Michelmersh, Awbridge.. This is a really nice route, only done it once 40miles IIRC, great rolling hills and some pretty villages, again all on quiet lanes...

Let me know.

Merry Christmas all 🙂 hope Santa brought you everything you wanted.

At the moment theres only one part of that route that'll be muddy on the Lane and it's just after Fairleigh Wallop over the top of the park where the park farm is, can't help that but it is on top of a hill and dries out easily.

If you're rockin' da grrravel around Farleigh Wallop, there's a lovely BW running almost due South through Bedlam Bottom (Obviously!) down towards Axford.

Well, that was colder than expected.
Roads and tracks around Hannington, Malshanger etc. on the Diverge. A bit too much track, in some parts! Especially on slicks. Good fun, though!

Nice walk with the family up on White Hill above Kingsclere earlier. Hello to the Salsa fatty rider if you're on here!

bb - thanks for those suggestions, very tempted to include Farleigh Hill twice from opposite directions! Certainly the Candover Valley is roadie-friendly.

Some of the minor roads in the Test Valley are pretty shonky but sure they can be avoided.

Better get planning on my mapping software. 😀 [s]and get my lazy self out on a bike.[/s]

A q for the cx riders - what tyres and width are you using this Winter and how are you finding them when off road? Thanks.

Rocket Ron 35c's. Sometimes a 35c Ralph on the back.

Thanks Chunky and do they work well?

Rocket Ron's are superb in mud (being a mud tyre). Obviously the tall tread pattern isn't great on tarmac, but ok if you're just linking trails.

You can find deals on them. I got a folding pair on ebay for £30.

Well a combination of tyres for me... I am currently changing them on type of ride and distance I'm doing...

So, normal hack (cross country, bit of road, cross country) mainly singletrack/Bridleways and single track lanes and I use my Griffos, they're 33mm and the cotton beaded types. So far I'm on my second set, first set used throughout the summer up until late Novemeber when the rear wore out and the front still has a little tread on (so shall keep that one when this set wears to a similar point) holding up well, quite muddy out there, squishy but not too sodden so my routes are taking in a mixture or terrain. These are my default tyres, that jaunt down the Wessex Ridgeway and Lakeland Monster and the Welsh CX were done on these. Very user friendly tyre, pressures range from 25psi through 40psi and hold a decent radius. Punctures, well I've had a few I'm not going to lie, but less than I expected, say 1 every 3 weeks or so which isn't bad considering the trails I use.

Then my Limus, a deeper tread than the Griffos and Mud specific. Used for racing as most of the tracks run through playing fields which are sodden and deep squish. Hold themselves well in singletrack and forests, great for grip so you can dive them into corners well then dig hard out. No good on the roads though so I only use these for racing or total off-road hacks. Great tyres, would recommend them for anyone whose used to something like Maxxis Beavers.. Pressures again similar to Griffos but only maxed out at 35psi once or twice when doing a sodden SDW back in early Dec.

Then the Clement X'plors that were mentioned on the Tripsters thread. My oh my these are good. Used mainly for Gravel and single Lanes, so think New Forest/East Hants drovers roads that kinda thing. 42mm IIRC and pressures upto 45psi. These have transformed my CX hacks into long distance meandering/exploring routes, took them upto Salisbury Plain just before Christmas and they were good on the harder pack but rubbish on the gloop, expected that but I chose them because I wasn't sure about the conditions up there. These tyres have been a godsend TBH, taken the pressure off me using the Griffos when I don't want to get covered in mud and just hack out. Lovely feel to them, soft and sticky but not draggy at all. Super smooth profile, small ribbed blocks and roll very well. These tyres I'll use for some long distance NCN routes planned.

So I'm changing on by riding "attitude" and conditions, depending on terrain and weather conditions. I guess I'm changing tyres twice a week at the moment because I can and have the opportunity whilst off work to alter my riding to suit.

Still using my roadie mind, but settled on some Clement 25mm cotton bead tyres with a puncture strip just behind the contact rubber. These are working out great,mono punctures so far in weeks of hacking the downs in conditions that should be better suited to the CX'er with the X'plors one TBH, but hey 😆

Quick Edit:
My TCX came with some SCHWALBE smart Sams on and I took them off straight away to put the Griffos on, these are unused so no idea what they ride like so have thought about selling them on £20 the pair plus postage I guess if anyone's interested..

Thanks again Chunky and what a really helpful response from bb - thank you. 8)

Yes, I'd made a note about X'plor's and good to hear real world Hampshire/Wiltshire experience. It does sound as though they would be better for Spring-time? Not heard of Grifo's so useful info on those, shame they only come in 33mm width.

Lots to think about now!

CG for full on CX mud racing traction something like the rocket rons, (i use these on my mtb) challenge limus or clement pdx. but they wont be good on road and mixed conditions.

I prefer more all rounder type tyres which are ok in most conditions.
although most think of a kenda small block 8 as a summer tyre i think its a real good all rounder, gripping beyond its design, sticky clay mud will turn it into a slick though.
michelin mud2 are ok all rounders but wear fast, work well tubeless as do the kenda sb8.

for exploring and bashing around landcrusers work well and are tough but heavy, silly cheap. work well in new forest tracks.

wider gravel tyres i have my eye on are bonty cx0 38c
spesh trigger 38c

dobo - Rocket Ron's already ordered! Will give them a go, thank goodness for the Classifieds though for things that don't work out. Never seen a Small Block 8 in the flesh so interesting comments.

Landcruisers got a big thumbs up in the Tripster thread so always good to hear another recommendation. I have tubeless rims but want to stay with the flexibility that tubes give for swapping tyres.

The Bonty sound interesting (use their mud tyres anyway) and sizing sounds good, may investigate those.

Thought I'd well and truly left my tyre fetish behind but appear to be back to over-thinking. 😳

Not ridden in Hampshire much so what station would you locals suggest for starting some exploration from? Looking at riding smooth(ish) roads rather than muddy lanes if possible as my alloy TCR isn't that forgiving on the rougher stuff.
My local station is on SWT mainline so was thinking Salisbury or Winchester unless there's any better starts.

hilldodger - either I would say. There's some chaps on here with really good knowledge of the roads, certainly bikebuoy is putting in the miles at the moment so hopefully he will respond. Wiltshire and Hampshire are lovely counties. 🙂

hilldodger - Do you like to incorporate sightseeing/places/buildings of interest etc into your rides?

Yes, places of interest for sure, where else to eat lunch 🙂
I know the area pretty well with regard to historic sites and general geography but not really from the pov of picturesque villages or scenic cafés.
Think I'll get googling and spend an evening indulging my OS addiction - will make a change looking at the red lines rather than the dotted ones!

OK, well off the top of my head you could head E on the B3047, head S at Martyr Worthy and follow the minor road to New Alresford. You'd go past Avington Park which is a fabulous privately owned home that tends to be open in the Summer.

NA is roadie-central so loads of cafes and tea shops, it's been some time since I've used them so couldn't really recommend. There's tons of lanes and minor roads, all reasonably quiet. Would strongly recommend a visit to The Grange, a neo-Classical building originally owned by a member of the Barings Bank family. You can't actually see inside but the setting is fab for a picnic.

Another option would be to head W towards the River Test so, for example, Kings Somborne, Stockbridge (has loads of cafes).

You could head N to South Wonston, Sutton Scotney (River Dever), Barton Stacey.

Thanks cg, think if I head for either alton or winchester stations there's plenty of exploring to be had 🙂

When i lived in Wonston i basically combined all of what CG said into a ride. Some nice road but some are messy this time of year.
Also i think every roadie in hampshire seemed to go through Kings Somborne today was literally dozens of groups going by, more than you see in summer.. first ride of the year and all that i guess?

@hilldodger I'd recommend Petersfield too - puts you in the heart of some beautiful hilly country with some very quiet lanes and you can easily get down to the SDW and hop on and off as you please. East or west there are some great routes (east out towards Midhurst, west towards the Meon valley) plus some of the best pubs in the country.

went up to imber today - was really busy! lovely ride from wilton along the wylye valley, warminster imber and back.

Cheers for your help cg.

went up to imber today - was really busy! lovely ride from wilton along the wylye valley, warminster imber and back.

Cheers for your help cg.

You're welcome and hoped you found it interesting? The Wylye Valley is gorgeous, guess you were riding your cx on the lanes?

My local station is on SWT mainline so was thinking Salisbury or Winchester unless there's any better starts.

If you can get to Overton, Whitchurch or Grateley, you're pretty much straight off the train on to singletrack, farm trails or quiet lanes.

picturesque villages or scenic cafés.

The Wallops, Stockbridge, Leckford, Longparish, Chilbolton and more to the South of the A303. The Chutes, the Bourne valley, Highclere and Kingsclere to the North.

Over the other side of the M3, there's Dummer, Farleigh Wallop, and more.

Basically, pick a distance and I'm sure we can recommend some good rides (Terrain specific if required) and good pubs/cafes! Also, when are you heading this way? I'm at the top of the Test, and we do keep meaning to do a STW Hampshire Riding Ride!

Ohhh I've loads of routes, know this Hampshire like the back of my hand upto the M3, further north and I'm a bit dodgy..

Anywhere out of Winny going East is taking you into the heartland of Hampshire. It's all rolling hills and epic views, pretty villages and quiet lanes. Lots of folks ride out over the top and head to Old Winchester Hill out of West Meon, down the other side into East Meon then North up to Privet and High Cross, over to Steep then turn back either following North upto New Arlesford and Cheriton then back to Winny.
If you turn South from either West/East Meon you'll end up heading towards the coast, always recommend heading down my way as it's coming out of the Downs and you can't go further south without getting wet. Places here along the coast head over to Gosport the south to the coast at Alverbank then ride the sea front all the way to the Meon Shore and stop in Tichfield Haven for tea/cake and look out over the Solent to the IOW.
Most villages are sleepy, West/East Meon you'll find a cafe, the one in West Meon is behind the local small grocers across the road from the Thomas Lord Pub (which is lovely BTW) great cafe, a hit with all us lot of bikists and they cater well for us, take your bike around the back of the cafe into the garden. East Meon is 10mins by bike away and well worth going.

New Arlesfords a good place to head to too, cafe in the high streets nice but you have to lock your bike up outside, same with all the cafes there, even the Watercress line one...

If you are looking for a Pub for lunch then you can do a turn in the Hampshire Bowman in Dundridge, real beer, excellent food and stick your bike in the large garden at the rear, Thmas Lord in West Meon but they're a little stuffy so keep your bike out front or in the garden at the rear, Flower Pots in Cheriton is ace but again bike out back.

Lots of villages are quiet, hardly anything happens so they're off the beaten track, most of us lot ride happily at speed around and through villages linking them up without any bother at all.

High Cross and Privet Churches well worth a visit, Medstead and Bentworth too, head up there and you're into some steeper climbs yet nothing too hard. Go East/North East and you are in CG/Captainflasherts territory and they're best giving views up there, me I'm a South Hampshire Downs rider and love it. You can spend a good few days discovering this area. Oh, head West and of course you are in New Forest territory and you can get there easy by turning SW from Winny and into Romsey and myriad of villages south to the Forest. If you head that way there's a great Pub in Fritham that's at the end of a lane in the forest, real beer/great food lovely surroundings.

I'd say allow 4/5 hour ride if touring and draw a line North/south from Meon Shore through New Arlesford then West/East from Winny to East Meon and concentrate on the four quadrants. Don't forget SWT head all down hear so you could so point to point if you want, Satrt Winney and head over to Fareham or Porstmouth and head back on the train or North back to London, you get the drift..

Have fun, mail in profile if you want more info...

8)

hilldodger - I do know the lanes around Alton but not across the A31, some can be mucky. Alton Abbey - not sure when it's open, it's one of these places I know nothing about and really should visit. There's a good cafe near Four Marks (Rumours, Lymington Bottom Road), another good one is in the Post Office, South Warnborough, on the B3349.

Petersfield is a good suggestion - really nice scenery.

Is it OK for me to use up more bandwidth? 😉

Rekindled my love of riding today with a route that was 100% off road. I'd heard that some tracks on Salisbury Plain had become Rights of Way which meant that you didn't need to leave the Plain, pretty handy in today's fog!

The NCN route across the Plain at Larkhill was closed due to maintenance but that didn't stop me and was good to have that track to myself. 🙂 I couldn't even see the ridge due to the fog but knew the area and its landmarks well.

This new Right of Way effectively was parallel to the A345 and certainly had its ups and downs. Actually it was good to be pedalling the whole time rather than trudging through muddy bridleways.

Bike didn't get filthy, win win. Icing on the cake was my flask of hot coffee waiting for me in the car.

Thanks all, looks like I'm spoilt for choice and looking forward to the exploring - will make a nice change from my usual Surrey routes 🙂

Sounds a great ride CG 🙂

john - it was atmospheric not being able to see much although the abandoned rusting tanks were visible through the fog. No other cyclist to be seen and not many people either!